Ruth IVES IV

IVES, Ruth Elizabeth Died in her residence with family on Tuesday, December 30, 2008. Ruth Ives (nee Leckie), survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Ives-Ruyter and Patricia Ives, her son-in-law, Dr. Tony Ruyter, and her grandson, Michael Ives-Ruyter. Born August 13, 1922 in Pembroke, Ontario, Ruth Elizabeth Leckie was the youngest of four children born to "Masie" and James. Upon graduation from Pembroke High School Ruth chose to become a teacher, and, after a year of "normal" school, began her career teaching eight grades in a one room schoolhouse. Not only did she love teaching, but she had a talent for it, and years later was touched when students she had taught would approach her and thank her for lessons taught 20 years ago as though they had been taught last week. Ruth's love of learning and teaching was matched only by her love of family and friends. While a young teacher, Ruth began a relationship with Hubert Ives, a classmate of hers since grade eight, now home on leave from Her Majesty's Royal Air Force fighting in the Pacific. They married in August 1950, and the next year saw the birth of their first child, Elizabeth Anne. Hubie's graduation from U of T medical school and his decision to resume a career in the military meant a new set of challenges for Ruth, and she became adept at adjusting to last minute changes. This new life took her and her young family to Belgium, Germany, and Florida where her youngest daughter, (Lynne) Patricia, was born. Perhaps her most challenging move occurred when Hube accepted a three-year posting to Washington D.C. during the mid-sixties. In Washington, all the rules changed and Ruth rose to the challenge: she was a gracious guest at innumerable social functions, a gourmet cook who planned and prepared parties for as many as fifty guests, and a charming hostess to all who entered her home, whether the Surgeon General or her children's friends. When the family returned to Canada, Ruth resumed teaching but only briefly; Hube's sudden death in 1970 profoundly changed Ruth's and her family's lives. Shortly thereafter, she bravely embarked on a new direction and applied to enter Nursing school. Mature students were considerably rarer in those days, and a mature student of fifty was unheard of. Despite much overt and persistent opposition to her presence in the program, Ruth persevered and graduated three years later. Ruth practised nursing for only a brief while but put her nursing skills to good use caring for her mother, Masie. Upon her mother's death, her life took yet another direction. She became active in volunteering and renewed her life-long love of sports, resuming regular curling, skating, and cross-country skiing. Through these activities she forged new and loving friendships. Ruth returned to Pembroke in 2000 to be closer to Elizabeth and her family. Ruth's family would like to express their deep thanks to the wonderful staff at Supples Landing who helped make Ruth's return to Pembroke a much smoother transition. Most especially, Ruth's family is very thankful for the compassionate, thoughtful, and loving care Ruth received while at Marianhill, particularly in her final weeks. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of the MALCOLM, DEAVITT & BINHAMMER FUNERAL HOME, 141 Renfrew Street, Pembroke on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 2 p.m. No flowers by request of the family, but if wished, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to the Parkinson Society of Canada. Donations may be made online at http://www.parkinson.ca/site/c.kgLNIWODKpF/b.4201715/k.2BC8/Donate_Now.htm.